The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit, Zone “C” Owerri, Imo state says it has intercepted, arrested and seized an old Brazilian model luxury bus, carrying over 25 big packs of cannabis sativa , otherwise called Indian hemp, worth Duty Paid Value of N300,000.
The seized bus and consignment was part of the seizures among others, recorded by NCS, FOU, Zone “C” between March and May, 2019.
The luxury bus inscribed CUO Motors Ltd. and numbered XB 180 GWB was said to have been intercepted and seized by the dogged and intelligent officers of the Customs along Benin axis under the zone.
Speaking to journalists at the Customs Warehouse Aduwawa, Benin City, Edo state on Monday, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Kayode Olusemire stated that the packs were carefully wrapped and cello taped in a brown coloured paper and hid in the bus in cartons.
He said, “It takes the doggedness and perseverance of our patrol officers and men along Benin axis to dictate these wraps of cannabis sativa .
The perpetrators carefully hid them in cartons in the bus thinking that our men will not see and check the cartons. They used that means of conveyance being an old model bus to deceive our men on the road. Little did they know that luck would run against them”.
Olusemire however, sternly warned commercial motor companies / transporters, who use their vehicles as a means of conveyance of illicit drugs and other goods banned by the Federal Government to desist from such obnoxious business venture. “Adhering to this would help to keep the country clean”
He also advised drivers to thoroughly check the consignments they were loading before departure, to know whether they were banned or legal.
“Otherwise, if we intercept any vehicle or means of conveyance conveying illegal goods, we would assume that the driver and his company are involved in the deal and we will not rest on our oars to seize that means of conveyance and allow the law to take its course”, he added.
The Comptroller further stated that Indian hemp was an illegal drug and banned by the Federal Government, adding that once taken would adversely affect the human central nervous system.
He said, “Most of the vices that happen in the society are attributed to intake of cannabis sativa . Once taken, the addict sees other humans as lesser beings and indulges in all forms of nefarious activities. In take of hemp pushes those who take it towards doing negative things and other things the society abhors”.
He noted that the illegal consignment would be taken to National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and other relevant offices for proper action.
The Customs boss nevertheless, told people who engage in illicit business ventures to desist from them and turn a new leaf for the growth and development of the nation and her economy.
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